Nigerian police on Sunday fired teargas to disperse protesters demonstrating against the killing of over 200 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The protesters, dressed in black and carrying placards, had gathered to demand justice and immediate government action following what locals are describing as a massacre in the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the initially peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when security forces arrived at the scene and deployed teargas, causing protesters to scatter in panic. Several people were reportedly injured in the resulting stampede.
Community Outrage Over Killings
The protest comes in the wake of what locals have called "Black Saturday in Yelewata," where at least 107 bodies were recovered after a deadly attack allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding an end to the violence that has plagued parts of Benue State, with particular focus on what they perceive as inadequate government response to the security challenges.
Prior to this incident, angry youths had blocked the Abuja-Makurdi highway in a separate demonstration related to the killings.
Government Response
Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the Yelewata massacre and pledged to deploy more security operatives to affected areas. However, some Benue youths have accused the governor of merely paying lip service to the killings without taking concrete action.
Franc Utoo, a prominent figure in the state, has also expressed grief over the deaths of more than 100 people in the community attack.
The situation remains tense as communities mourn their dead while demanding greater security measures and accountability from both state and federal authorities.
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